PCG deploys SAR teams to flooded areas in Quezon City, Caloocan City

August 7, 2012 10:04 pm

MANILA, Aug. 7 — Vice Admiral Edmund C. Tan, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, has ordered the deployment of four Search and Rescue teams since Monday evening to the areas in Quezon City and Caloocan City that were affected by floodwaters.

The PCG said that three teams with one rubber boat each were first dispatched at around 11:30 p.m on Monday to Barangays Tatalon and Damayang Lagi, both in Quezon City.

The fourth team, also equipped with one rubber boat, was dispatched Tuesday afternoon to Caloocan City and Quezon City, particularly San Francisco del Monte and Sto. Domingo.

Meanwhile, around 1,500 individuals in Fairview, Quezon City were evacuated to three evacuation sites starting at around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

The streets that were submerged in floodwaters included Iris, Austin, Jaguar, Malibu, Mustang, Opel and Dahlia, as well as the Sapamanai Village, Bagong Baryo and Sirnai where housing awardees and informal settlers are living.

The residents were temporarily sheltered at the Fairview Barangay Hall, Fairlane School and Mormons Church. Barangay Captain Jose Arnel Quebal and his officers took charge in the rescue, evacuation and provision of food for the flood victims.

The floodwaters in some of the affected areas were as high as the roof of a bungalow house. These areas are situated near the creek that connects to the Tulyahan River where the water from the La Mesa Dam spill. A large portion  starting from the main entrance  of the La Mesa Ecopark was also submerged. (PNA)